I have a 1 1/2 year old male Great Dane that has lost so much weight in the past month that his rib cage is now visible. He's been to the vet and treated for a UTI and has been de-wormed w/out results. We've changed his food to Large Active Breed Naturals. He eats about 3 times a day 4cups each time. So about 12 cups a day. He's very happy and active. Has no problems eating or having a bowel movements, about 2 large piles a day sometimes three. I'm just wondering what I can feed him or give him to help him gain weight. PLEASE HELP...

Desperate in Pennsylvania
:(

Great Danes: skinny dane (http://en.allexperts.com/q/Great-Danes-2275/skinny-dane.htm) If your vet does not think he is skinny I would not worry. From what I have read on this site and some others is danes are supposed to show 2 ribs standing and 3 ribs while laying down. Also we have a few in our town and I can see their ribs.

It is the nature of most Great Danes to show a little rib. I have to be concerned about a dog that has suddenly lost weight. I would push your vet for an explanation of what has changed, and either assurance that he is OK as is, or a weight gain plan. Will he eat more if you offer it? I have ended up feeding a couple of Labs 6-7 cups of Pro Plan when 3-4 cups is enough for most. Package recommendations are just a starting point.

I have a male 3yr old great dane fawn and great danes are known to be "lanky". Its nothing to worry about. There is no need to be concerned just as long as you are feeding your dane a healthy protein filled diet. Chicken soup for dogs is a very good diet for your dane. Anything over the counter in the stores is not a good food supplement for a dane. It doesn't have what a dane needs. You can also mix can food in with the dry every other day or so to keep your dane solid. A rib or two is okay and sometimes you may see your danes back bones and that's okay also. They start to fill in at about 4 yrs old when they fully mature. Before then they are pretty active and are more like "athletes" and are in "fit shape". Also, your dane needs a lot of exercise everyday... a big yard to run around in to fulfill their need and work up an appetite. Free feeding is not recommended.